Weep thou not for seasons past
nor for dreams not yet begun;
Cast thou not the seeing eye
to shade, but on the setting sun:
for glory of the present pays
not shadows, but in
Golden rays.

Sing thou not in others’ voice
nor make the speech of grander men;
But speak and sing from thine own depths
and learn the song of love again:
and oh, again the hallowed phrase
across thy lips thine
homage pays.

Set not thine hand to idle ways
nor to unkind or vengeful task;
Despise not sweat from thine own brow,
But make thy way and make it last:
For once thou goest; once is tough,
but lived having loved,
Once is enough.

11/14/2006

Posted on 11/15/2006
Copyright © 2024 William Simpson

Member Comments on this Poem

Posted by A. Paige White on 11/17/06 at 04:23 AM Beauty found in this beholder

Posted by Quentin S Clingerman on 11/18/06 at 04:09 PM A great message eloquently expressed.

Posted by Philip F De Pinto on 07/09/08 at 11:47 AM If we could only abide by these words. it would swell and sway the boughs in our soul.

Posted by Michael Anthony on 10/08/15 at 07:36 PM I loved this from the opening, but the last four lines made me wish I'd written it. Nicely done. you have a new fan.